Jurgen Klopp has shown Arne Slot solution to his biggest Liverpool problem yet – Football News

Jurgen Klopp has shown Arne Slot solution to his biggest Liverpool problem yet

Arne Slot is experiencing a similar problem to one Jurgen Klopp had at Liverpool (Image: Getty)

Arne Slot can take inspiration from one of Jurgen Klopp’s best Liverpool transfers to solve his biggest problem at Anfield. Left-back is the weakest area in the Reds squad, and it is a similar issue Slot’s predecessor experienced early in his time on Merseyside.

Klopp inherited a talented squad from Brendan Rodgers but lacked quality at left-back. The German quickly discarded the error-prone Alberto Moreno. Midfielder James Milner and centre-back Joe Gomez were frequently used on the left of a back four.

Neither seemed a natural fit. It was not until two years into his Liverpool tenure that Klopp landed Andy Robertson for a bargain £8million. The Scot played a pivotal role in the success that came under his manager.

But Robertson is now part of Liverpool’s biggest problem under Slot. Now 30, his physical powers are on the wane – no longer able to persistently burst along the left flank – and mistakes have crept into his performances.

In Liverpool’s 2-2 draw on Saturday, Fulham targeted Robertson with passes in between him and Van Dijk, with Harry Wilson making inverted runs from the right wing. It was that combination that caught out Robertson and saw him sent off after only 17 minutes.

The Liverpool defender’s poor touch allowed Wilson to burst through on goal, and Robertson could only send him tumbling to the ground. Other teams have used similar tactics against the Reds.

Only minutes earlier, Robertson’s flat-footed approach to defending a cross saw him beaten to the ball by Andreas Pereira, who converted to put Fulham ahead. Liverpool cannot afford such errors if they are to fend off competition from Chelsea and win the Premier League.

Andy Robertson

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson endured a horror show against Fulham (Image: Getty)

Slot’s only other left-back is Kostas Tsimikas. The Greek is excellent in the final third but, like Robertson, has significant defensive frailties. The position is one of two that Liverpool need upgrades in, with an elite centre-forward also a necessity.

Klopp has already shown Slot how he can improve his options at left-back. By signing Robertson so cheaply, funds were spared for Liverpool to improve all over the pitch. Sporting director Richard Hughes should scour the market for a similar bargain.

Liverpool will head into Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Southampton without a recognised left-back, with Robertson suspended and Tsimikas injured. Slot may hope to have a better option in the position after the January transfer window.

Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1989045/jurgen-klopp-arne-slot-liverpool-problem